dual stage compressor

[jerbo1000]

Hello,

I am new to this site and am wondering if a dual stage heat pump would decrease my usage of heat strips. I live in S.C. and have a 3 year 4 zone one stage heat pump. I am interested in ways to decrease the usage of alt. heat or the heat strips coming on. Any suggestions.

Jerbo

[totaleclipse]

Quick answer, probly not.

Two speed systems dont really produce more heat than there single speed brothers, instead they are able to run in low speed, or low capacity most of the time, and only jump to high capacity when needed, thus saving on energy consumption.

Now, if you are looking to reduce your energy bills, then yes, a two speed system will help you out some, although hard to tell how much in your case as there are way to many variables to consider without looking at your house and equipment.

Before you go and rip out a 3 year old system for an upgrade, you may want to think about sealing and insulating the house as it may be possible to cut your energy consumption a good bit by simple things you can do yourself for very little money.

You may want to consider having someone come out and do an energy audit or infultrometer (blower door) on your home to help you pin point where you are loosing the most money. There is also a ton of info on the internet that can help lead you in the right direction.

[dash]

What brand zoning system,that may be your problem???

[jerbo1000]

Hello and thanks for the replies.

We have insulated the house a great deal. My wife and I caulked all around our low e double pane windows. I don't see much room in the insulation area to improve. We keep the settings on 67 in the winter on our carreir unit.
If I understand your reply correctly upgrading to a dual stage compressor won't lower our heating bills much in regards to the amount of time we use the heat strips. Is this correct?

Jerry

[totaleclipse]

Upgrading to a two speed compressor may or may not lessen the amount of run time on the strips, but if I had to say one way or the other, I would have to say probly not. Now someone else may come along and disagree with me.

There are contractors out there that should be able to come out and take a look at your home and equipment and compare that to a two speed system and give you a rough estimte on what the yearly savings will be with the new equipment.

[beenthere]

If your current HP isn't over sized, and it is a x and 1/2 ton unit. A 2 stage HP the next whole size up would lessen the aux heat use.

But, its alot of money, that may not have a justifiable pay back time.

And, as Dash said, your zoning system could be the problem. Some zoning systems bring on the aux heat by time, weather or not they're needed to heat the house.